re-attach bridge on acoustic

[John]

Hey guys, my wife has an old Kay acoustic she bought many years ago. At some point the bridge had come loose and she tried re-attaching it with hot glue. This is probably 10 years ago at least, maybe longer. Obviously, this did not hold up. It's been in the attic for many years, and I'd like to remove the hot glue and re-attach the bridge. I remember that even though a cheapie, it had a great sound.

Anyway, after thoroughly removing the hot glue, would plain old TiteBond and a clamp be my best bet? Thanks for any help as always!

[G._Hoffman]

Yes, Titebond and some clamps.  You will need to make a caul to bridge the braces, and I like to use 3-4 clamps.  You will need clamps with enough reach to get to the bridge from soundhole, which can be hard to find, though it is easier since Stew-Mac and LMI have come around.  

FRANK FORD has a good article on the subject.  I like to remove the bridge in a different manner (we shock the glue joint with a chisel - but use Frank's method, since it takes less experience.)


Gabriel

[John]

Gabriel, thanks.

I also need a thingamajig of patience.